Tonic Arts
Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.
Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning arts in health programme, creatively enhancing the patient, staff and visitor experience at NHS Lothian.
Working in partnership with staff and patients, we deliver a diverse arts programme of events, workshops, exhibitions and site-specific art commissions that help improve staff and patient health and wellbeing across the NHS Lothian community.
Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing
Latest news
Healing Through Dance: Gentle Movement Classes Boost W…
In a heartwarming collaboration between Dance Base and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, patients at East Lothian Community Hospital are […]
Encore! NHS Festival Sessions Return for 2025 Bringing…
Our 2025 NHS Festival Sessions will once again bring the magic of world-class musical performances directly to patients, families, staff, and volunteers across NHS Lothian hospitals.
Creatively Minded and Visual Arts Project at Royal Edi…
This prestigious Design in Mental Health Award recognises the significant contribution of art to enhancing the hospital environment and promoting wellbeing.
NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts Purchase Prize Winner …
We are delighted to announce the winner of this year’s Tonic Arts Purchase Prize, awarded at the prestigious Royal Scottish […]
What’s on
Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh: An Art Exhibition by Julia Murden
Explore Julia Murden’s Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh exhibition at The Western General Hospital, featuring art inspired by mindful walking […]
Positive Health: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Gathering 2025
Our 2025 Network Gathering is a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing positive health initiatives using creativity and nature.
NHS Festival Sessions
We’re thrilled to be continuing our exciting partnership with Edinburgh International Festival, bringing world class artists to perform for patients and staff across NHS Lothian.
Tonic Arts Network: Using Art and Design to Transform Healthcare Spaces
Join us for our next online network event to discover more about our Havens participatory project, other staff wellbeing projects and how to develop them.
Spotlight on: Havens
NHS Lothian Charity’s programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present ‘Havens’ – a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff members’ work-life experiences.
Our Work
Tonic Commissions
Tonic Collection
Tonic Exhibitions
Tonic Participation
Catch our inspiring "Artists Within" exhibition at its New Home: Royal Hospital for Children and Young People/DCN! 🎨
Did you miss this wonderful exhibition at the Western General? Don’t worry, there’s still a chance for you to see it in its new home in the Dott Corridor, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences
This beautiful mixed media collection, sparked by the vision of Consultant Neurosurgeon Chandru Kaliaperumal, highlights the power of creativity, the importance of self-care, and the simple pleasure of artistic expression.
It presents the work of twelve very talented staff members from different disciplines and departments across NHS Lothian: Some have studied art, some haven’t, but all testify to the value of making art alongside their professional roles.
A huge thank you to everyone involved. We hope you enjoy the exhibition! 💫
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #ArtInHealth #NHS #CreativeCare #StaffArt #ArtistsWithin #NHSArt @nhs_lothian
Catch our inspiring "Artists Within" exhibition at its New Home: Royal Hospital for Children and Young People/DCN! 🎨
Did you miss this wonderful exhibition at the Western General? Don’t worry, there’s still a chance for you to see it in its new home in the Dott Corridor, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences
This beautiful mixed media collection, sparked by the vision of Consultant Neurosurgeon Chandru Kaliaperumal, highlights the power of creativity, the importance of self-care, and the simple pleasure of artistic expression.
It presents the work of twelve very talented staff members from different disciplines and departments across NHS Lothian: Some have studied art, some haven’t, but all testify to the value of making art alongside their professional roles.
A huge thank you to everyone involved. We hope you enjoy the exhibition! 💫
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #ArtInHealth #NHS #CreativeCare #StaffArt #ArtistsWithin #NHSArt @nhs_lothian
🔦 Spotlight on: #TonicArts Collection artwork acquisition by @emma_lawrenson for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
Emma Lawrenson is a printmaker based in Yorkshire. Fascinated with the techniques and formal qualities of printmaking, her work is largely an engagement with the process. Lawrenson accredits the practice of screen printing and the time it takes to build up a final image to holding the beauty of a piece and being a fundamental part of its soul.
Lawrenson’s work emerges by intuition, with inspiration gathered from moments in time; landscapes, places, shadows, shapes, colours and everything in-between. Through minimal layering, mark-making and careful consideration of colour, her work is understated and emits a calm quality.
The framed screenprint series was installed in the CT Waiting Area at Edinburgh Cancer Centre and provides a quiet moment of reflection in a bustling environment. It forms part of a larger enhancement project by the Tonic Arts Collection Team in collaboration with staff to source and rehang artworks in refurbished areas of ECC.
Works featured: Under the Hedgerow, Green Leaves and Orange Hemlock
Framing by @detailframing
#emmalawrenson #printmaking #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #spotlighton
🔦 Spotlight on: #TonicArts Collection artwork acquisition by @emma_lawrenson for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
Emma Lawrenson is a printmaker based in Yorkshire. Fascinated with the techniques and formal qualities of printmaking, her work is largely an engagement with the process. Lawrenson accredits the practice of screen printing and the time it takes to build up a final image to holding the beauty of a piece and being a fundamental part of its soul.
Lawrenson’s work emerges by intuition, with inspiration gathered from moments in time; landscapes, places, shadows, shapes, colours and everything in-between. Through minimal layering, mark-making and careful consideration of colour, her work is understated and emits a calm quality.
The framed screenprint series was installed in the CT Waiting Area at Edinburgh Cancer Centre and provides a quiet moment of reflection in a bustling environment. It forms part of a larger enhancement project by the Tonic Arts Collection Team in collaboration with staff to source and rehang artworks in refurbished areas of ECC.
Works featured: Under the Hedgerow, Green Leaves and Orange Hemlock
Framing by @detailframing
#emmalawrenson #printmaking #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #spotlighton
Calling all thrill seekers! This is your FINAL chance to join our Kelpies Experience on the 8th of June 2025, with limited spaces left.
For more information and to sign up visit our website.
#TheKelpies #CharityChallenge
Calling all thrill seekers! This is your FINAL chance to join our Kelpies Experience on the 8th of June 2025, with limited spaces left.
For more information and to sign up visit our website.
#TheKelpies #CharityChallenge
📣 Exciting opportunities to join our Tonic Arts Team! 📣
Are you passionate about the transformative power of the arts in health? We are seeking two talented individuals to join our team:
- Tonic Arts Participation Officer: We`re looking for a creative and organised individual to deliver a diverse range of participatory arts activities for patients and staff across NHS Lothian sites. This role involves project coordination, workshop delivery, and collaboration with various partners.
- Tonic Arts Art & Design Enhancements Project Manager: We`re seeking a skilled project manager with a knowledge of art and design commissioning to deliver therapeutic enhancements to healthcare environments. This role involves managing all stages of projects, from concept to evaluation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration.
These are fantastic opportunities to contribute to a programme that truly values the important role that the arts play in improving our health and wellbeing. Ready to make a difference?
Learn more and apply on our website: https://ow.ly/aiIz50VPYwN
#ArtsInHealth #CreativeJobs #ProjectManagement #NHS #NHSLothian #TonicArts #Charity
📣 Exciting opportunities to join our Tonic Arts Team! 📣
Are you passionate about the transformative power of the arts in health? We are seeking two talented individuals to join our team:
- Tonic Arts Participation Officer: We`re looking for a creative and organised individual to deliver a diverse range of participatory arts activities for patients and staff across NHS Lothian sites. This role involves project coordination, workshop delivery, and collaboration with various partners.
- Tonic Arts Art & Design Enhancements Project Manager: We`re seeking a skilled project manager with a knowledge of art and design commissioning to deliver therapeutic enhancements to healthcare environments. This role involves managing all stages of projects, from concept to evaluation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration.
These are fantastic opportunities to contribute to a programme that truly values the important role that the arts play in improving our health and wellbeing. Ready to make a difference?
Learn more and apply on our website: https://ow.ly/aiIz50VPYwN
#ArtsInHealth #CreativeJobs #ProjectManagement #NHS #NHSLothian #TonicArts #Charity
🔦 Spotlight on: #TonicArts Collection artwork acquisition On The Way to Cruden Bay by Frances Walker for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
In 1990, Walker was part of a small group of artists who walked along the coast to Cruden Bay. This expedition was to further research towards submissions for a mural commission for BP’s head offices in Aberdeen. Frances Walker’s submission for the BP mural was a small triptych oil study, which now years later has formed the inspiration for this memory like a gull’s eye view – On The Way To Cruden Bay.
The framed screenprint was installed in the reception area of Castle View at Edinburgh Cancer Centre, providing the atmospheric landscape view as a focal point. It forms part of a larger enhancement project by the Tonic Arts Collection Team in collaboration with staff to source and rehang artworks in refurbished areas of ECC.
Purchased from @royal_scottish_academy
Framing by @detailframing
#franceswalker #printmaking #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #spotlighton
🔦 Spotlight on: #TonicArts Collection artwork acquisition On The Way to Cruden Bay by Frances Walker for Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
In 1990, Walker was part of a small group of artists who walked along the coast to Cruden Bay. This expedition was to further research towards submissions for a mural commission for BP’s head offices in Aberdeen. Frances Walker’s submission for the BP mural was a small triptych oil study, which now years later has formed the inspiration for this memory like a gull’s eye view – On The Way To Cruden Bay.
The framed screenprint was installed in the reception area of Castle View at Edinburgh Cancer Centre, providing the atmospheric landscape view as a focal point. It forms part of a larger enhancement project by the Tonic Arts Collection Team in collaboration with staff to source and rehang artworks in refurbished areas of ECC.
Purchased from @royal_scottish_academy
Framing by @detailframing
#franceswalker #printmaking #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #spotlighton
Come and join us for our next #FestivalSessions at The Western General Hospital! 🎶
We`re excited to bring live music to the heart of the hospital on Wednesday, 7th May, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, Enjoy a special performance at the Café in the Anne Ferguson Building.
📍 Location: Café, Anne Ferguson Building, Western General Hospital
🕒 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
📅 Date: Wednesday, 7th May, 2025
Find out more about our upcoming festival sessions on our website!
In partnership with Edinburgh International Festival
Come and join us for our next #FestivalSessions at The Western General Hospital! 🎶
We`re excited to bring live music to the heart of the hospital on Wednesday, 7th May, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, Enjoy a special performance at the Café in the Anne Ferguson Building.
📍 Location: Café, Anne Ferguson Building, Western General Hospital
🕒 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
📅 Date: Wednesday, 7th May, 2025
Find out more about our upcoming festival sessions on our website!
In partnership with Edinburgh International Festival
🔦 Spotlight on FLOW — a stunning new artwork by Elizabeth Ogilvie & Rob Page at Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
FLOW celebrates the River Forth through abstracted photography and film, capturing its hidden backwaters, vast horizons, and familiar shores across all seasons. 🌊
Installed as two panoramic aluminium prints in Castle View, this work brings calm and connection to nature into the heart of the hospital. Part of our wider Tonic Arts project to enhance ECC with thoughtfully curated art.
#ElizabethOgilvie #RobertPage #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #TonicArts
🔦 Spotlight on FLOW — a stunning new artwork by Elizabeth Ogilvie & Rob Page at Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
FLOW celebrates the River Forth through abstracted photography and film, capturing its hidden backwaters, vast horizons, and familiar shores across all seasons. 🌊
Installed as two panoramic aluminium prints in Castle View, this work brings calm and connection to nature into the heart of the hospital. Part of our wider Tonic Arts project to enhance ECC with thoughtfully curated art.
#ElizabethOgilvie #RobertPage #edinburghcancercentre #artsandhealth #TonicArts
Do you live near the Edinburgh Marathon route? Or know someone running for NHS Lothian Charity?
Our amazing runners need YOU! Your cheers create an unforgettable atmosphere and give them that extra boost to power through to the finish line. 💪🎉
Got 1-3 hours to spare? Join our official Cheer Squad! We’re looking for volunteers to cheer on runners at Holyrood Gait (Sat 24th May), or Portobello, Longniddry, or Musselburgh (Sun 25th May).
Sign up to get your cheer pack and all the details via our website.
#EMF2025 #CheerSquad #EdinburghMarathon #SupportOurRunners
Do you live near the Edinburgh Marathon route? Or know someone running for NHS Lothian Charity?
Our amazing runners need YOU! Your cheers create an unforgettable atmosphere and give them that extra boost to power through to the finish line. 💪🎉
Got 1-3 hours to spare? Join our official Cheer Squad! We’re looking for volunteers to cheer on runners at Holyrood Gait (Sat 24th May), or Portobello, Longniddry, or Musselburgh (Sun 25th May).
Sign up to get your cheer pack and all the details via our website.
#EMF2025 #CheerSquad #EdinburghMarathon #SupportOurRunners